Human Development Major

Our program focuses on applying knowledge and skills to make a difference in people's lives. We use theory and practice to understand and work with children and adults in the context of different families, communities, and cultures.

This discipline studies how humans learn and develop, from birth through old age and in many specific contexts. Researchers might look at how children are affected when their parents are incarcerated or how close friendships change as we grow older. The field mixes principles of psychology, sociology, and health to study and improve people's daily life experiences.

Why Study Human Development Here?

You'll learn about the physical, social, and cognitive areas of development, and you'll work hands-on serving people through a field experience at our Adult Day Services or child development centers, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, a local free clinic, or another social services program.

Our program includes a field study experience to observe and participate in the work of human services. You'll get the chance to see first-hand what the work is like, and learn the challenges and triumphs people in the helping professions deal with every day.

We have four centers that serve as living laboratories where we train students in the human services professions, serve the community, and conduct research that improves people's lives and sets new standards for the care industry.

You'll learn to perform top-notch research with our faculty, who have a reputation among their peers for designing complex research studies. Talk to a professor about designing your own research project or investigating a topic that interests you. You'll work closely with a faculty mentor to plan a course of action, discuss your findings, and write a report. You can also assist a faculty member with their research project.

"Attending Virginia Tech was the experience of a lifetime. During my time at Tech, I learned so much about myself, others, and how I can apply my skills and passions to do my part in making the world a better place."

— Carrie Covey, BS '06, MSEd. '08

"I am a double major with human development and Spanish. Human development is flexible; you can do anything with it. When I was a freshman I had space in my schedule to take biology, chemistry, and physics. My human development internship taught me how to work effectively with people and gave me insight on how to work with children, which has been beneficial in preparing to attend law school to focus on child and family law. Spanish has helped me relate to so many different people and provided me the opportunity to study in Spain. These majors have opened up my world to opportunities that I never knew I would have."

— Michelle Arroyo, '17

“In my field study, I shadowed an occupational therapist and worked side-by-side with a physical therapist and speech therapist. My desire to pursue occupational therapy has grown as I've experienced a new setting to practice therapy. I've always worked in pediatrics; this field study has opened my eyes to the possibility of working in geriatrics, too.”

Carrie Covey '06

After earning her bachelor's in human development in 2006 and an MS. in Health Education in 2008, Carrie went on to work as community relations, outreach, and service coordinator for the University of Virginia Health System, alumni relations coordinator at Bridgewater College, and is now serving as development coordinator for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Brian Kitts '01

Brian developed a passion for family and child development during his undergraduate career at Virginia Tech. After graduating, he went on to earn a master's in curriculum and instruction from Radford University, and held various administrative positions in Virginia schools and education organizations. He currently serves as principal at Blacksburg High School and teaches as an adjunct faculty member at Radford University.

Morgan Bowers '10

Morgan (BS '07, MA '10), who worked as a field study supervisor for Human Development when she was in college, is currently a school counselor at Crystal Spring Elementary School in Roanoke.

Anna Gehring '15

While pursuing a degree in Human Development, Anna began to observe Speech-Language Pathologists at local schools. Her Virginia Tech experience was most shaped by her study abroad opportunities in Lugano, Switzerland and Kenya. While there, she prepared curriculum, planned, and ran camps for students. Anna is currently in a speech pathology graduate program at the University of Virginia.

Gina Schnur, '18

Gina furthered her passion for studying children by completing a field study with Virginia Tech’s Child Development Center for Learning and Research and serving as a research assistant in the Children’s Emotions Lab. Gina also interned at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and is now studying human development and psychology at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Meghan Holton, '12

Meghan developed a passion for working in higher education and student affairs while pursuing her degree in human development. Following graduation, she worked as an Admissions Advisor in Undergraduate Admissions at Virginia Tech. She went on to receive her M.Ed from the College of William & Mary and has since worked as a Program Coordinator for Orientation and a Senior Enrollment Counselor at Boise State University.

Amy Crow, '18

Amy’s always had a passion for working with children. She completed her field study requirement at two local elementary schools, shadowing teachers and engaging students. Amy says, “From that experience, I gained more confidence than I ever would have imagined, and I feel ready to teach my own elementary classroom in just a few years.” Amy is completing the Masters of Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Education program here at Virginia Tech.

Vanessa Robinson, '18

As a student in human development, Vanessa conducted research on the growth of preschoolers in the Child Development Center for Learning and Research on campus. She completed two field studies at a local elementary school that reinforced her love of children and teaching. Vanessa’s experiences prepared her for Virginia Tech’s Masters of Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Education.

Allison Meyer, '16

Applying her passion for healthcare operations and children, Allison completed an internship at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in the Administration Department, where she worked to help facilitate a streamlined patient experience. Following graduation, Allison served as a site supervisor at a local elementary school. Now she works as a human resources generalist at the Pediatric Connection, an organization serving medically fragile children.